Wigan Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan refusing to be drawn into George Williams speculation

PA

​Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan has refused to comment on the future of George Williams.

Lenagan declined to comment on mounting speculation over the future of Wigan's England stand-off Williams, who is thought to be edging closer to a move to the NRL.

Canberra, who recruited John Bateman and Ryan Sutton from Wigan in the close season, have denied a report that they have signed Williams for next year but that has not put an end to the rumours.

Williams, who made his debut for his home-town club in 2013, signed a new deal two years ago after rejecting offers from the NRL but has a release clause enabling him to leave at the end of the 2020 season if a pre-defined transfer fee is met.

Adrian Lam has conceded that the speculation appears to be affecting the form of Williams, who is the club's solitary marquee player following the departure of Sam Tomkins.

Meanwhile, Lenagan insists there is no crisis at the Super League champions despite their woeful start to the season.

Only points difference is keeping the Warriors off the foot of the table after losing four of their opening five matches, most recently to bottom club Huddersfield.

Interim head coach Lam admitted he was "rattled" after his team's latest defeat but Lenagan remains confident the champions can quickly arrest their slump as they prepare for Friday's Grand Final re-match with Warrington.

"I don't think it's a crisis," Lenagan said. "It's been a disappointing start but we've got a good squad of players and they don't become a bad squad of players overnight.

"It's been hard and it's difficult for our supporters but I'm sure there will come a point when we will all click back into action and there would be no better time to start than at Warrington on Friday night."